Craig Lewis has a diverse professional background with a degree in biochemistry and experience working in finance, electrical contracting, and the medical field. He now provides private tutoring. His scientific background initially made him cautious about adopting solar technology due to inefficiencies he observed in the industry. However, in 2023, he decided to invest in solar energy to future-proof his electricity bills and leverage advancements in technology.
Decision-making process
Craig's decision to choose Kimble Solar was influenced by several factors:
He encountered their van at a Sainsbury's car park, which sparked his interest due to its professional appearance and clear signage.
Upon researching Kimble Solar, he appreciated their family-run business model and thorough website, which led him to trust and follow up with them.
His experience and knowledge from working with an electrical contracting company helped him navigate through many options on the market. He knew cowboys were out there as his friends had had issues with faulty solar panels/not being able to connect to the grid. The cost to install was £15k.
The solution
Installation experience
Craig lives in High Wycombe and works from home, along with his wife, so electricity needs are significant. Kimble Solar's installation process in March 2023 was efficient, completed within a week. He was impressed by their use of advanced technology, such as drones for roof inspection, and the expertise of their team. The surveyor, who was an electrician, meticulously planned the cable routes to minimise costs and maximise efficiency.
Benefits and savings
The solar installation included two apps for monitoring energy usage and an EDDI device to heat water with excess electricity.
Craig noticed several benefits:
- Significant reduction in electricity bills, going from £250 to £70 a month (by carefully managing it), and during the summer the actual bills have been under £1 for two consecutive months.
- In credit of over £800
- The ability to monitor and adjust energy usage in real-time.
- Future-proofing against rising electricity costs with an anticipated quicker payback period.
The system
Craig's system allows him to be 100% off the grid during the summer and largely reliant on battery storage at other times. The only issue encountered was a thunderstorm tripping the main breaker, which was quickly resolved.
Customer satisfaction
Craig highly recommends Kimble Solar, citing their professional, polite, and thorough staff. His positive experience includes well-managed scaffolding, clean and careful electricians, and an overall smooth installation process.
Future considerations
While he hasn't yet adopted an electric vehicle (EV) due to concerns about hidden costs and practicalities, Craig sees the potential for further integration of renewable energy solutions in his lifestyle.
Craig Lewis' experience with Kimble Solar has been overwhelmingly positive, leading to significant cost savings and a strong recommendation for others considering solar energy. His scientific and practical approach highlights the benefits of choosing a reliable and professional solar provider.
Actual output
Solar generation: 15.6 kWh per day, so 468 kWh across the 30 days of April.
Consumption: 8.3 kWh per day, so 249 kWh across the month.